Enigma Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enigma

[ɪˈnɪɡmə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mystery

Enigma is something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. It can also refer to a person who is difficult to understand or figure out.

Synonyms

conundrum, mystery, puzzle, riddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enigma

Use this word when describing something or someone that is very difficult to understand or explain.

  • The disappearance of the plane remains an enigma.
  • She is an enigma; no one can figure out what she's thinking.
mystery

Suitable for situations where something is unknown, secret, or difficult to understand.

  • There's a mystery surrounding the old mansion on the hill.
  • The film is a gripping mystery from start to finish.
puzzle

Good for referring to problems or questions that require ingenuity or patient solving, often used in a playful sense.

  • The crossword puzzle took him hours to complete.
  • They enjoyed solving the puzzle together.
riddle

Ideal for questions or statements deliberately phrased to require clever or unexpected answers, often in a playful or challenging context.

  • He posed a riddle that stumped the entire class.
  • Riddles are a great way to exercise the mind.
conundrum

Best used for a difficult problem or question that seems impossible to solve.

  • The issue presents a perplexing conundrum for scientists.
  • How to balance work and family life is a conundrum many people face.

Examples of usage

  • The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains an enigma to archaeologists.
  • Her enigmatic smile left everyone wondering what she was thinking.
  • The true identity of the author is an enigma that has puzzled literary scholars for years.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'enigma'

The word 'enigma' originated from Latin 'aenigma', which means 'riddle'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Throughout history, enigmas have been used in various forms of art, literature, and cryptography to challenge and intrigue individuals. The concept of an enigma represents the enduring human fascination with the mysterious and the unknown.


See also: enigmatic.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,010, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.